Seven Awards for People Over Age 60 Solving the World’s Toughest Social Problems

The Purpose Prize has become a “MacArthur genius award for people who develop a second career as social service entrepreneurs.” – The New York Times.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy organizes a network of volunteers across the country to teach disabled veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan how to combat stress — through fly-fishing.

A public relations executive helps wounded warriors find and renovate foreclosed homes – and transforms lives and neighborhoods in the process.

These are two of the seven winners of the 2013 Purpose Prize, awarded by Encore.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people who translate decades of skill and experience into “second acts” that contribute to society’s greater good.

Now in its eighth year, The Purpose Prize is the nation’s only large-scale investment in people over 60 who are combining their passion and experience for the social good. Created in 2005 by Encore.org, the prize is aimed at those with the passion to make change and the wisdom to know how to do it, showcasing the value of experience and disproving the notion that innovation is solely the province of the young.

Two winners will receive $100,000 each and five winners will receive $25,000 each.

* Reverend Violet Little, The WelcomeChurch, Philadelphia, Pa.
Little is redefining the concept of “church” as she pastors Philadelphia’s homeless in a church without walls. ($25,000)

* Barbara Young, National Domestic Workers Alliance, New York, NY
Young’s rise from immigrant nanny to passionate advocate gives her a powerful voice in the fight for domestic workers’ rights across the United States. ($25,000)

The Purpose Prize winners will be honored on December 5, 2013, at an awards ceremony in Sausalito, Ca. NBC’s Jane Pauley will emcee the event for hundreds of Encore leaders and the Purpose Prize winners.

Twenty-one judges – leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector – chose the seven winners from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees. Judges include Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount; David Bornstein, author and New York Times columnist; Eric Liu, writer and founder of CitizenUniversity; and Sree Sreenivasan, Chief Digital Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation, The Purpose Prize is a program of Encore.org, which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining personal meaning, continued income and social impact in the second half of life.

This year, Symetra is sponsoring the $100,000 Purpose Prize for Future Promise, which recognizes an individual whose approach for helping society has the potential to grow steadily over the next five years. The company plans to sponsor another Purpose Prize for Future Promise in 2014.

“While Purpose Prize winners are helping to solve a wide range of pressing social problems, they have one thing in common,” said Marc Freedman, CEO and founder of Encore.org and author of The Big Shift (PublicAffairs Books). “They – and millions of others in encore careers – are turning personal passions and decades of experience into invaluable contributions across sectors, continents and generations, often through entrepreneurship.”

Short summaries for all winners follow. Photos are attached. Longer bios and higher resolution photos are available.

Vicki Thomas, Purple Heart Homes, Weston, Ct.
Thomas, winner of this year’s Purpose Prize for Future Promise, sponsored by Symetra, rallies communities around wounded soldiers, providing them with adapted foreclosed homes that improve quality of life for veterans and whole communities alike. Following a 35-year-career as a fundraising and marketing dynamo, she became the director of communications at Purple Heart Homes in 2008 in an effort to provide greater services for veterans who have service-connected disabilities. In just three years, Thomas helped take the fledgling nonprofit to new heights. She has raised millions for Purple Heart Homes in financial contributions and material donations. Revenue shot up 600% in her first year with the startup. She’s developed an innovative program that matches veterans with foreclosed homes donated by banks, then raises the funds to renovate a home for the individual veteran’s needs. It’s a win-win for all generations—and communities too. It helps veterans to grow assets, towns to recoup lost taxes and neighborhoods that have struggled with foreclosures to stabilize.

Ysabel Duron, Latinas Contra Cancer, San Jose, Ca.
Duron is an award-winning journalist with more than 42 years in television broadcasting. She tapped into her own experience as a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma to shine a spotlight on cancer for Latino communities across the United States. To focus on the plight of low-income Latinos fighting the disease, Duron founded Latinas Contra Cancer (Latinas Against Cancer), an organization committed to educating, supporting and providing essential services to low-income Spanish speakers often overlooked by the health care system. Latinas Contra Cancer has offered a range of programs that have taught more than 3,000 men, women and teens about the disease, resulting in more than 300 preventative cancer screenings. The group has provided psychological and social support to over 100 patients per year. However, the call to action Duron answered has had an impact far beyond the Bay Area. Her passionate commitment is helping Latino communities across the U.S. gain access to cancer support, information and treatment. Her great empathy for cancer patients has made her utterly clear on her bigger purpose in the second stage of life.

Edwin P. Nicholson, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., Port Tobacco, Md.
Nicholson mentors disabled veterans, healing the emotional wounds of battle through the power of relationships and the great outdoors. A cancer survivor and war veteran himself, Nicholson was impressed by the fortitude of disabled veterans at the Walter Reed military hospital, where he was treated for prostate cancer in 2005. It spurred him to found Project Healing Waters, a program dedicated to helping disabled soldiers and veterans recover from the trying aftermath of war through the sport of fly-fishing. One-on-one connections have been key to Project Healing Waters’ approach since the beginning. Nicholson knew there were fly-fishing groups and facilities all over the country. His innovation was to convince them to start, manage and lead fly-fishing instruction and outings with veterans through military and Veterans Administration facilities. The quiet bonds forged over fishing lines began to transform lives. Again and again Nicholson heard from family members who said their loved ones had returned from war withdrawn, angry, and difficult to be around. But after fly-fishing with Project Healing Waters, they’ve become happier, more open and engaged. Project Healing Waters works closely with VA Recreational and Occupational therapies to identify those who would most benefit from the program. Many are in wheelchairs or using prosthetics. A few are blind. Participants reflect of full spectrum of disabled veterans and include all ages, genders, ethnicities and disabilities. Nicholson says the impact “goes well beyond the mechanics of fly-fishing.”

Carol Fennelly, Hope House, Washington, D.C.
A lifelong social activist who ran homeless shelters in the District of Columbia for 17 years, Carol Fennelly abandoned her plans to retire in 1998 when she learned that D.C. inmates had been transferred to Youngstown, OH. One woman made 10-hour round-trip drives twice a week to visit her son. Moved to answer a social need, Fennelly thought about opening a hospitality house in Youngstown for family members visiting inmates. She soon learned that while 93% of the federal inmate population is male, in sheer numbers there are more programs for mothers in prison than there are for fathers. She decided she had what it took to change things. “I had spent years organizing, dealing with government, making change happen, and that emboldened me to think I could go into prisons and start all these radical programs,” Fennelly says. So she launched an encore career with Hope House, an innovative organization that helps prison inmates stay in regular contact with their children. In the past 14 years, Hope House has hosted 200 video teleconferences, 18,000 personalized book readings by fathers and 31 week-long summer camps, which allow kids to spend time with their fathers free of the usual restrictions that come with visitor hours and family chaperones. California recently decided to implement the Hope House model in its 33 state prisons. Prisons in Texas, Idaho and New Hampshire may follow. In 2013 Fennelly was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change.

Elizabeth Huttinger, Projet Crevette, Pasadena, Ca.
International public health expert Elizabeth Huttinger spotted a big idea in shrimp, and launched an encore career that could eradicate a disease infecting millions of the world’s poorest. Huttinger’s project – founded in 2006 – is targeting human schistosomiasis, an infectious parasite carried by river snails. Understanding that the population of prawns that eat those snails had precipitously declined, Huttinger, 63, has devoted her encore career to restoring the prawn population in the SenegalRiver Basin. Projet Crevette’s mission is multifaceted: the restoration of the prawn population diminishes the spread of schisto, provides new economic opportunities to afflicted communities and heals families infected by the disease. Today, Projet Crevette is a prawn-farming microenterprise, operated by locals at public watering holes. It has brought social innovation, new microbusinesses, environmental restoration and improved health to communities. Huttinger is confident Projet Crevette will meet its bold goal to fully restore the indigenous prawn population—and improve countless lives in the process.

Violet Little, The WelcomeChurch, Philadelphia, Pa.
Reverend Violet Little is redefining the concept of “church” as she pastors Philadelphia’s homeless in a church without walls. After 14 years as parish pastor trained in psychotherapy, Little left behind her traditional congregation to create a religious refuge for the homeless on the streets of the city, which became the “WelcomeChurch.” The church relies mostly on word of mouth, and services can pop up in a city park or on a sidewalk. No questions are asked, and everyone is welcome. The WelcomeChurch coordinates medical services through local universities, helps people get into rehab or jobs, and offers educational services to the public on the causes of homelessness. Little estimates 40 percent of her congregants have moved off the streets into permanent housing and the WelcomeChurch celebrates each and every one of them, many of whom stay connected with Little through their transition. Little’s congregation has grown to include hundreds of homeless as well as non-homeless volunteers in the EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America.

Barbara Young, National Domestic Workers Alliance, New York, NY
An immigrant from the West Indies who built a meaningful life on meager income, Young’s gritty rise from nanny to passionate advocate gives her a powerful voice in the fight for domestic workers’ rights across the United States. She’s encouraged thousands to stand up for their right to earn a living wage, and counsels and trains others to become leaders themselves. In 2004, Young began building a movement to legislate a Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights in New YorkState, which would make overtime, paid time off and rest days mandatory. In 2009, when she heard then Governor David Patterson say on the radio that he’d sign the bill if it made it to his desk, she put on a full court press, becoming the engine behind passage of the law in 2010. The law is the first of its kind in the country, but Young is committed to making sure it isn’t the last. She’s now a key player in the NDWA’s expansion from 11 to 44 affiliated organizations with 15,000 members, up from 5,000 in 2007. Young’s passion for serving her community has only just begun.

The Atlantic Philanthropies are dedicated to bringing about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. In keeping with the Giving While Living philosophy of founder Charles “Chuck” Feeney, The Atlantic Philanthropies believes in making large investments to capitalize on significant opportunities to solve urgent problems now, so they are less likely to become larger, more entrenched and more expensive challenges later. The Atlantic Philanthropies also seeks to encourage others of significant wealth to engage in major philanthropic pursuits in their lifetime.

The John Templeton Foundation serves as a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries relating to the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality, supporting research on subjects ranging from complexity, evolution, and infinity to creativity, forgiveness, love, and free will. We encourage civil, informed dialogue among scientists, philosophers, and theologians and between such experts and the public at large, for the purposes of definitional clarity and new insights.

Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors.

Butler Mobility’s new Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lifts are a safe and economical solution to make any home accessible. Indoors or outdoors, the Butler Mobility Vertical Platform Lift is a practical alternative to installing cumbersome, slow grade ramps.

Butler Mobility has a long history of manufacturing the “Lifts that Last” with their popular Inclined Platform Lift for wheelchairs. Applying some of the same features and design concepts used in the Inclined Platform Lift, Butler Mobility is proud to introduce the next in line of high quality residential wheelchair accessibility products.

Our Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift is a perfect solution for direct access to almost any area in your home. This Platform Lift is adjustable to lift or lower to the exact height required by the individual consumer. The easy to use control paddle and key lock make it a safe and reliable means of staying independent and mobile.

Butler Mobility’s new Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lifts are a safe and economical solution to make any home accessible. Indoors or outdoors, the Butler Mobility Vertical Platform Lift is a practical alternative to installing cumbersome, slow grade ramps.

Butler Mobility has a long history of manufacturing the “Lifts that Last” with their popular Inclined Platform Lift for wheelchairs. Applying some of the same features and design concepts used in the Inclined Platform Lift, Butler Mobility is proud to introduce the next in line of high quality residential wheelchair accessibility products.

Our Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift is a perfect solution for direct access to almost any area in your home. This Platform Lift is adjustable to lift or lower to the exact height required by the individual consumer. The easy to use control paddle and key lock make it a safe and reliable means of staying independent and mobile.

Standard safety features include 42” high solid side panels, automatic folding access ramp, emergency stop switch, non skid platform and ramp, powder coated finish with weather sealed controls, manual emergency crank, constant pressure control with key lock, and bottom safety pan.
The Butler Vertical Platform Lift is easy to install, and comes with a standard 5-year conditional warranty.
These quiet and durable wheelchair lifts for home use are built to last, providing years worry-free use.

You have finally decided to go to Disney World. The difference between you and many of the others who decide to go is that you have been waiting to travel here for most of your life. But, now that you are able to go, you wonder if it is too late. Disney World is a kids place so will there really be enough for you to do as a Senior Citizen? Do not worry and do not hesitate to pack your bags because not only will you have a blast while there, you will leave feeling like a kid again!

Attractions and Shows

Disney World is known for its magic and their shows and attractions are no exception. You could literally fill up each of your days at Disney World by just attending the shows. While they do have traditional dinner and short shows you can enjoy, Disney World goes above and beyond with several of their longer shows such as the Hall of Presidents and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has two great attractions that you will easily enjoy. Both The Great Movie and Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream offer wonderful historical perspectives of both Walt Disney and movies. Another great place to find attractions you will enjoy will be the Animal Kingdom where you can visit a petting zoo, travel nature trails, and observe animals while learning about their care.

Rides

Trying to decide the kind of ride you will be able to experience may be a little worrisome as well but rest assured there are plenty of rides that are fun for everyone. Many of Disney’s rides are developed so they are safe for people of all ages. In the Magic Kingdom, take the gentle It’s a Small World boat ride to learn about the various cultures, visit the jungle on the Jungle Cruise, fly through Neverland on the magical Peter Pan’s Flight, explore the unknown of outer space on the Astro Orbiter, or discover the sea with your mates on the Pirates of the Caribbean. After that, head over to Epcot to explore the world of energy on Ellen’s Energy Adventure before experiencing the evolution of communication on the slow riding Spaceship Earth. Finally, let your adventurer out to observe animals on the Kilimanjaro Safari at the Animal Kingdom.

Resorts

You have many options for places to stay during your visit to Disney World. All resorts offer rooms with showers wide enough to roll a wheelchair into and that have tub handrails. Additionally, all resorts have handicap accommodated rooms. Just make sure you do ask questions about any specific need you may have when you book the reservation.

Additional Activities

While you are at Disney World, make sure you take the time to see as many of the shows and street events as possible. Not only are these fantastic shows, but they will give you a great opportunity to rest during the day as well. Each park offers a variety of shows during the day and do not forget the night shows with fantastic light and firework displays.

Disney World may seem to be a place for young kids, but really it is a place for the young at heart. Do not let this misconception be a reason you do not go. There is plenty to do and experience as a senior citizen, so book your vacation, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin.

Butler Mobility’s inclined platform wheelchair lift has helped countless customers better navigate their homes. From installing a lift for customers who have never been able to move from one floor of their home, to installing a lift so a customer can move easily and freely between multiple floors, the inclined platform wheelchair lift helps restore quality of life and mobility.

The wheelchair lift system allows customers to take an entire wheelchair up stairs and down stairs, allowing for it to be used on every floor of the home or building. More than that, the system also ensures that the movement between the floors is safe and accessible.

In addition to providing necessary accessibility, the lift platform is designed to have a standard lifting capacity of 500 pounds, with an optional lifting capacity of 750 pounds.

ADA-compliant, the wheelchair lifts also meet or exceed all National Safety Code requirements. Heavily equipped with many safety features, the inclined platform wheelchair lift has an emergency stop button standard. Key-operated controls, an optional feature, are convenient for households that need parental control of the system. The two-rail design also means installation of the device in the home is simple and requires fairly minimal changes to the stairway.

A battery backup system will also bring the platform up and down stairs as many as 12-15 times, in the event of a power outage, allowing the user to use the wheelchair lift as necessary during such conditions.

As a dependable and reliable product, Butler Mobility’s Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lift is known for providing comfort and convenience for customers all across the country.

As you get older, the body starts to break down and simple tasks can suddenly become very difficult. Going down the stairs or taking a bath can pose hazards that previously never existed. It might eventually be necessary to purchase furniture and accessories that can help you to get around the house easier. Here are some pieces that senior citizens should consider purchasing in the immediate future.

A Wheelchair

A wheelchair can be purchased for able-bodied and disabled individuals alike. For people who can still walk, using a wheelchair once in a while can take away the strain that is often felt in the joints. For individuals who have great difficulty walking, a wheelchair allows them to travel for long distances and participate in out-of-the-home activities.

A Bath Lift

Bath lifts are great apparatuses for the home because they take away a lot of the danger that can be found in bathrooms. Slippery floors and spills can make entering the tub a precarious activity. Bath lifts, on the other hand, slowly lower individuals from the top of the tub to the bottom. This makes bath time a considerably safer time.

A Lift Chair

Getting up from the couch or the recliner can be much more difficult for senior citizens. A lift chair takes away this difficulty by raising the back end of the apparatus, helping an individual to get up from a sitting position into a standing one. This is a great chair for any living room or den.

A Reclining Bed

These types of beds are very similar to the ones found in hospitals in that they can recline and lift at the headboard and the baseboard. Reclining beds meant for the home are a lot more comfortable and a lot less sterile. This is really good for older individuals who may have difficulty sleeping or who need to rest in a certain position.

A CD Player

This might seem like an odd choice but it has to do with quality of life as opposed to practicality. Several studies have shown that music can enliven and excite even the most comatose individuals. Many senior citizens fight off depression and loneliness and great music is one of the best cures for these conditions.

When it comes to acquiring furniture, older individuals should purchase things according to their needs. Older and more fragile bodies require assistance and all furniture pieces should accommodate this. The better equipped a home is, the more likely an individual can continue to live a full and happy life.

Many senior citizens do not want to or cannot leave the house. There are many reasons for this, some are physically impaired and have trouble getting around, and others simply don’t leave because they believe that they have nothing to do. Either way, getting out of the house is important sometimes, if only for the sake of the joys that social gatherings bring. Maintaining existing friendships and creating new ones can mean a lot to elderly folks, especially if they have not left the house for a while.

There are many senior citizen friendly activities out there, the trick is to match an activity with an interest that they hold, and therefore will be more accepting of going out of the comfort zone that is their home. Many people enjoy playing cards or board games. This is a much better solution than something like going to a movie will create; when playing games, it is hard not to be social. Movies are not the best choice because, although fun, there is little opportunity for social exchange. Games foster relationships, especially games like canasta or trivial pursuit where you can play on teams.

Another great activity for senior citizens is craft making. A group of people being instructed in how to put together a scrap book or design simple jewelry for the first time promises to be very fruitful. Not only will they learn a fun new skill, but they will inevitably interact with others at nearby at their table.

Going to a zoo or to a museum is another great choice. If there are any disabilities or hindrances to mobility, this can be a frustrating thing, but most public gatherings and places now allow people to rent wheelchairs. This will make getting around a much easier task, even if the people you are with have difficulty walking. Electric wheelchairs are perhaps the best choice since these require minimal effort in using.

Finally, you can always just go to a coffee shop. Social gatherings don’t need to be big group affair; sometimes people feel more comfortable in an intimate setting. Taking a friend out for coffee is a great way to interact on a one on one basis. It’s hard not to have a good time when you are with a close friend or relative. Coffee shops are great public places to go to with a couple friends because of this.

The most important thing about choosing an activity is to make sure that the person you are with has fun. If the senior citizen you are caring for does not have fun, they will not be likely to give social outings a second chance. As a caretaker, it’s your job to care for them physically as well as emotionally. Making activities fun isn’t hard, but you do need to choose the right activity that will match their desires and wishes.

Matthew G. Young is a freelance writer who specializes in financial, sports, and health-related topics. To learn more about in home health care visit Paradise In Home Care

Traveling with elderly patients can certainly be a challenge, but there are many things that caregivers and family members can do to make it easier, safer, and less stressful. Planning ahead is essential to make sure everything goes smoothly and also to ensure that the traveler gets the most for their money. Last minute bookings are often expensive and should be avoided if possible.

When flying, here are some tips for easier travel:

1. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare; getting through security can take much longer if the airport is busy or the patient moves slowly, and having to rush will only add to the stress
2. If possible, arrange in advance to have a wheelchair available and access to any special services offered to senior citizens
3. Make sure that the traveler has all of their identification, insurance information, itinerary, money, and medications; have copies of any instructions from physicians about medications or medical devices such as a pacemaker
4. Try not to pack too many clothing or other items; comfortable shoes are definitely necessary
5. To make the actual flight more comfortable, take a pillow and reading material or anything else for entertainment on the flight such as crossword puzzles or card games.

A common theme among senior citizen travel is to visit out of town family members, especially children, grandchildren, or even great grandchildren for a special event or just for a vacation. As soon as a wedding, birthday, or graduation announcement arrives, start planning the vacation! In addition to visiting family, there are many vacation destinations that cater to senior citizens. Many cruise lines have special senior citizen cruises, which can be a wonderful social experience for any seniors who want to enjoy the company of others and make new friends on their trip. Many destinations (such as Branson, Missouri, for example) have tons of specialty tours for senior citizens. Caregivers can find an abundance of information online about these tours, and should also check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are legitimate companies before paying for anything.

Have you noticed? Senior citizens aren’t as old as they used to be. At least some aren’t. And that means you cannot market to all seniors in the same way.

Senior buyers come in two varieties. The first are those who are actually suffering from the ravages of age – and are only too happy to tell you all about it. They’ll give you a list of ailments and things they can no longer do, so your job in finding them a home is a bit more straightforward.

You can openly discuss issues like stairways, counter heights, doorway widths, and space to install grab bars in the bathroom. They’ll tell you what they need and want so you can go out and find it for them.

When you’re selling to this group, go preview homes before you take them along.

When people are having a hard time getting around, need a wheelchair or walker, or are just unsteady on their feet, they don’t need to be dragged around looking at all the wrong homes. They won’t appreciate you wasting their energy by showing them homes that are obviously wrong.

So pay careful attention to their needs, and if you eliminate a house they’ve asked about, tell them why. It might be because the bathrooms and bedrooms are on the second floor and the laundry room is in the basement – or perhaps because of steep steps leading to the house. Maybe the garage is too narrow to allow them room to put a wheel chair in and out of the car, or the bathroom door is too narrow for the wheel chair to get through.

Do your homework, tell them the straight facts, and you’ll earn their loyalty.

This segment of the senior population may be focused on living within minutes of a medical facility, and they’ll probably tell you which one.

But what about the second group? What about the ones who are officially senior citizens, but have no intention of acknowledging the fact?

You’d do well not to mention the words “Senior citizen” in their presence.

Instead, find out more about them and their lives. Many are still working, so see if they want to locate near the workplace. After that, inquire about hobbies and other leisure time activities. Your new seniors may be avid golfers, they may want to hit the gym three days a week, they make require fast access to a swimming pool, or perhaps want to locate near a boarding facility where they can keep a horse.

They may even want a home with a bit of pasture so they can take care of that horse themselves.

Don’t assume anything. Some seniors are anxious to leave yard care behind so they can pursue other interests, while others have been waiting for retirement to have time to landscape a yard and grow a huge garden.

Take the time to listen. Listening is important no matter who your client is, but when you’re selling to senior citizens, you need to listen to the subtle hints as well as the open statements.

Remember, in the back of their minds, they’re recognizing the possibility of ill-health in the future. How could they avoid it, with the television and newspapers shouting it at every turn?

They know that the day could be coming soon when they won’t be able to easily navigate those stairways – and they know that a wheel chair could be a part of their future. They may even have a secret fear of living too far from a medical facility.

But many simply do not want to talk about that. So don’t bring it up unless they do.

Selling to seniors isn’t really all that different from selling to anyone else. Your job is to listen and pay attention to what you hear. When you do that with each and every customer and client you’ll be head and shoulders above your competition – because listening is almost a lost art.

Marte Cliff is a Freelance Copywriter and former real estate broker who specializes in writing for real estate and related industries.

Marte offers a free mini-course for Realtors trying to build a business, as well as web copywriting and lead generation packages. Learn more about them at http://www.copybymarte.com

Marte offers a weekly ezine for real estate professionals and others with an interest in marketing themselves or their property. To subscribe, and get a copy of her report: How to Get Referrals & Testimonials, visit her at http://www.marte-cliff.com

News headlines report of senior citizen abuse, most everyday. Long gone are the values and moralities of our grandparent’s generation. Time was when a handshake, or your word was all that was necessary to honor commitments. Gone are the days on an unlocked house, open windows, or sitting out back alone.

The elderly in today’s society can, unfortunately, encounter many traumatic events for no cause of their own. Predators watch and learn learn an old person’s schedule, like, when they leave their homes and when they are likely to return, what times they get up or go to bed, and if they are handicapped or ill by the comings and goings of a visiting nurse.

Many in the society of today appear to have lost all respect for other people’s property. It seems these people are without limits, with nothing more important than self-serving tactics. Who cares if an old person is lonely, in pain, or needs assistance?

Many times, the media tells us about a kid that brutally beat elderly parents, grandparents, or elderly strangers. Without any motivation, other than pursuing what they want, senior citizens can become their prey. And, if they want something you have in your home, you could be their next victim.

But, not all attackers are strangers, and the elderly person might not be beaten, robbed, or brutally murdered by the hands of an unknown person. Sometimes, the attacker is a family member, relative, or friend.

When elderly people are attacked or threatened, how are they to protect themselves? Many don’t possess the strength or agility to fight back or run. They can fall down stairs, against door jams, or be trapped in a wheelchair. Many times they do not understand what or why this is happening to them, because the person doing them harm is someone they trusted.

Perhaps a friend or relative lives in the senior citizen’s home to provide assistance and/or companionship. This person might get angry because they don’t want the responsibility of caring for an older person. Perhaps they feel as if their freedom has been taken from them. If the elderly person has adequate finances, the one that is supposed to be looking out for the well-being of the senior begins to feel that they should be compensated or rewarded excessively.

An elderly person who refuses to give money or sign over their property, risks being violently attacked by a family member or friend. It could be an adult son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, or a friend. Most elderly people hesitate to report abuse from a relative or friend. Many are in failing health, and don’t know who to turn to for help. Or, perhaps, they fear the attacker will retaliate and things will get much worse, if they report the abuse.

Aging can be a lonely and painful experience. Some senior citizens were attacked and left alone to endure the pain and shame. Many could not get to their phone to call for help. But, if they would have had an emergency alarm, the help they needed could have been summoned.

A small device, disguised as a pendant or wristwatch can save lives, literally. There is no need to get to a phone. Help and assistance is no further away than the end of the finger. As easy as pushing a button on the device calls an emergency operator, and help can be on the way.

Many times, long-term injuries or death can be the result of not being able to get the care when it is needed. A personal security device can provide peace of mind, and is a true friend in need. Senior citizens can live independently knowing they have the ability to get help whenever they need.

Feeling safe and secure is vital when you are traveling whether you are traveling by yourself or with a group or family. It is always a big concern when you have children especially when you are in an area that isn’t familiar to you. Children have a habit of wandering away so keeping an eye on them is extremely important. But it isn’t just children that need to be careful when traveling; senior citizens also have to extra cautious.

Before you head out the door it is always a good idea whether you are a senior citizen or not to check to make sure that your medications are with you. Forgotten things like medication can be a major disruption to your trip.

A good detailed itinerary is the best place to start when planning a trip with senior citizens. Knowing the times of travel, how long it is going to be before getting there and what you will be doing helps to lessen the confusion and questions that might arise. If you are traveling by car you should make an estimate on how long the trip will take. If you are traveling with senior citizens they may need more breaks should include that with your estimate. Taking your time when traveling and enjoying the ride makes it more pleasant for everyone.

If you are travelling on a plane then you need to take a few things into account such as giving yourself plenty of time at the airport to check in and go to the rest room if necessary. If the airport is large then you might want to request a wheelchair if your senior citizen traveling partner gets tired on their feet. Remember also that security is a lot tighter now so the time that you are standing in line has increased greatly.

Seating arrangements on a plane or a bus should be considered with the older adult in mind. If they have to take more restroom breaks that it is a good idea to get them an aisle seat close to the restroom that way they won’t be have to be climbing over folks.

After the plane ride is over and you leave the plane it might be a good time to take a rest and a bathroom break. While the plane ride might not be tiring to you it might be to others. A little rest now will definitely help out later.

Planning ahead and taking all the right precautions can make for enjoyable trips with senior citizens.

Finding travel insurance can be difficult for anyone, but if you are over a certain age, then you may discover that getting the coverage you need is even more challenging. This article covers the basics of why finding senior citizen travel insurance can be more difficult, and what specifics you need to look for in your plan.

In the world of insurance, money talks. Money, and statistics. And according to statistics, senior citizens are more likely to make insurance claims than are younger travelers. This results in less money made and more money paid out by the insurance companies. The result? They are reluctant to offer insurance plans to travelers over a certain age. While some insurers cap their age limits at 65, others may go as high as 70, 75, or even 80. Still, over a certain age, you’ll be unable to get travel insurance with many agencies, no matter how good your current health is. Other companies may offer coverage, but at higher costs, and with fewer benefits.

Not only is travel insurance for seniors more difficult to find, there are also a lot of needs and issues that you may need to think about in an insurance plan. For example, older travelers are more likely to have preexisting conditions that need covered. Many older travelers will also be bringing medical equipment or medications with them. Things such as walkers, wheelchairs, or prescription drugs, can be easily lost or stolen, and they can be difficult and expensive to replace while you are traveling. A good senior citizen travel insurance plan will have coverage for these things. Another thing to think about as you are looking for your travel insurance plan is to look out for reduced benefits. As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for insurers to offer higher costs and less coverage to seniors. Make sure that you know the exact details of the plan that you are purchasing,

If you are having trouble finding insurance through regular insurers, then you may want to consider looking into specialty plans. There are a number of companies out there that specialize in travel insurance for senior citizens. Not only do they have no upper age limit, they also give you specific coverage that is tailored to your needs as an older traveler. With these plans, it is much easier and hassle-free to get coverage for your preexisting conditions or for medical equipment. Many people also find that they have some insurance cover through retirement organizations that they belong to. Check to find out what coverage you already have.

The most important thing is to make sure that you have coverage when you travel. You never know what medical problems, injuries, or disasters may happen, and the last thing that you want is to spend your precious retirement years burdened with financial debt.

If you think the senior citizen market isn’t dynamic, then you’re really out of touch with marketing. Thirty-five percent of our population is over 55 years old, and these very affluent seniors control almost 45 percent of the disposable income of our country.

Neither Madison Avenue nor the advertising agency down the block takes this group seriously, and as a result, the market is virtually untapped. Here are four suggestions on how to target your business efforts to penetrate this market.

o Gain an understanding of this large market… Throw out everything you ever heard about the over-55 group. These people are vibrant and full of life. They are looking for new ideas, challenges, and new and innovative ways to enjoy life. Thanks to Social Security, wise investing and good retirement plans, they have the money to pay for what they want. Most senior citizens want what you want: health, happiness and security. Many want excitement, romance and adventure. They want to maintain close ties with their children and grandchildren.

o Target products and services… Yes, senior citizens want to know about cruise ships, vitamins and wheelchairs, but so do thousands of people under 55.

The difference is that seniors are looking for solutions to problems. They want to make their life easier and more enjoyable, and they have the money to pay for the services and products that can help them achieve these goals. If your product solves a specific problem, you will find this market is for you.

o How to advertise to seniors… Forget the flowery phrases, cute word plays and fast-action ads. Senior citizens want to know the facts and what benefits those facts will provide for them. Your products and services are just the carrier of benefits, not benefits in themselves.

Seniors want to know how your offering will make life easier or better or more fun. Problem solving is high on the list of benefits wanted, and proof of claim is requirement. Straight talk is appreciated, and as usual, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Two-step advertising works well in the senior market. Seniors have time, so snap decisions are seldom made. Advertisements that offer more information work especially well. Always be positive in your advertising, and never talk down to your audience. Most seniors are a lot smarter than you or I.

o Things to avoid… It is not a good idea to sell marginal ideas to senior citizens such as work-at-home projects and get-rich-quick business schemes. The senior lobby had watchdog groups looking for scam artists, and these two topics top the list of no-nos. Get on their list and you will find your business in trouble.

If you’re looking for the best source of information as to how to advertise to the senior market, read what they read. Buy some of the newsstand magazines on retirement, vacations, travel, cooking or investing targeted toward seniors, and read both the articles and the ads. Find copies of Modern Maturity. This and other magazines and periodicals will provide valuable insight into how to advertise to this lucrative market.

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Depression is a medical condition that is characterized by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless; low self-esteem; and loss of interest in things one used to enjoy. Senior citizens are prone to life-altering changes that can lead one to feel depressed. Dealing with the trials life throws at us such as, loss, change, loneliness, or a chronic medical condition can be quite overwhelming. Still, depression is not a “normal” part of aging. Like heart disease or diabetes, depression is a medical condition and it can be treated with medication and therapy. Treatment is effective at alleviating symptoms within a few weeks in at least 80 percent of people.

It is important that senior citizens and those providing their elder care understand the symptoms of depression. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, identify your symptoms by using the checklist provided below. Then, if necessary, seek assistance. For senior citizens, the most frequently used resource is a family doctor. Bringing a trusted friend or relative may help ease any anxiety when going to an appointment. Understand that your doctor may suggest a checkup and begin treatment or refer you to a mental health specialist.

Before you say, “I’m okay”….

Do you feel:

Anxious or “empty”

Guilty or useless

Agitated or irritable

Less interested in things you used to enjoy

Like no one loves you

Life is not worth living

Or if you are:

A change in sleeping habits

A change in eating habits

Persistent headaches, stomach aches, or pain

Remember that these may be real symptoms of a real medical condition that can be effectively treated. Talk to your doctor today. Though many senior citizens suffer from depression, feeling depressed is not a normal part of aging.

Health and Wellness tips

There are many measures senior citizens can take to help relieve the symptoms of depression. Those involved in the elder care of senior citizens experiencing depression should encourage the senior to follow these tips and improve their wellbeing.

Check your medications. Senior citizens often take many medications. Some medications, including those for sleep, blood pressure, and nervousness, may affect mood. Talk with your doctor about each of the medications you are taking. Be sure to include all over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements to minimize the chances of having side effects.

Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use can bring about depression. And, when alcohol and drugs are combined, interactions that lead to depression can occur.

Stay connected. Sometimes, senior citizens find it more difficult to get out and stay connected with others. Still, talking with friends and family members, getting a pet, or even finding a new interest or hobby can help one through this tough time. Get involved in activities you take pleasure in, such as reading a good book, going to a ballgame or a taking a class in a subject that interests to you.

Be active. Physical activity can improve physical and mental wellbeing. Though some senior citizens believe they cannot exercise, there are activities like walking, gardening, or working out (even if one is in a wheelchair) that can be helpful. Make a goal of 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week. If you have not taken part in physical activity in a while, be sure to check with your doctor and get his OK before you begin.

Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids. Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or nuts to increase your nutrition and energy. Also, try to eat well-balanced meals. Some senior citizens suffer from loss of appetite and weight loss; if you have experienced either of these, consult your doctor.

David Crumrine at the Caring Space We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.

Most healthcare professionals would agree that taking better care of yourself in the New Year is one of the best resolutions one could make. Resolving to routinely exercise is one of the best ways to accomplish that—even for people living with limited mobility. And to help get that exercise, The SCOOTER Store, along with Mary Ann Wilson, RN, founder, executive director and host of the PBS TV show, Sit and Be Fit™, have put together a complimentary, 32-page booklet with a series of exercises. This booklet includes full-color illustrations for exercises covering most every area of the body—from neck to core muscles and down to your toes.

“Exercise is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself,” according to Wilson. “No matter what your age or fitness level, exercise will enhance your life in many ways,” Wilson added. “Besides being good for your body, exercise has been found to improve your mood and brain fitness.”
“This booklet is yet another way we show our commitment to keeping Americans with limited mobility more active and independent,” said Michael Clark, Chief Administrative Officer for The SCOOTER Store. “We are very pleased to have worked with Mary Ann Wilson and the Sit and Be Fit™ team to make this instructional booklet available.”
For a complimentary copy and resolve to take better care of yourself in 2013, visit www.exercisebooklet.com
About The SCOOTER Store
Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more people with limited mobility than any other company in the nation. The company primarily offers power mobility equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in 48 states. Using this equipment provides today’s seniors an alternative to living in nursing homes or other care facilities. The company’s goal is to create an opportunity for every American senior to live their entire life safely and confidently at home. The company is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
About Sit and Be Fit
Sit and Be Fit with Mary Ann Wilson, RN is currently celebrating its 26th year on public television. The popular series airs on 369 PBS stations, and is broadcast to over 82 million households. The exercise program is recognized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as a “Best Practice” program in health promotion and aging.

City Of Las Vegas November 2012
Recreation, Adaptive Recreation & Community Special Events

All activities are subject to change. For links to facilities, programs, classes and activities in the current Beyond the Neon guide, go online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/recreation.htm. Most activities require advance registration. Register today to build your healthy lifestyle! Most facilities are closed Nov. 12, 22 and 23 for holiday observance.

“Souper” Family Swim Day (all ages)
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: One can of soup or other canned goods If you bring more than one item, you will receive an additional one-day pass to use any day during open swim.
Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6309.
No school — come to the pool! Canned goods will be donated to a local food bank. Regular fees apply without donation.

E! Club (ages 6-13)
Friday, Nov. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 per child.
East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Parents can enjoy a night on the town while children enjoy a fun evening of activities.

Leisure Connection (ages 22+ with developmental disabilities)
Leisure Connection is a social group. Community outings are planned each month to assist high-functioning adults with social skills and independence in the community. Activities include bowling, movies, lunch/dinner outings, sports events and leisure education classes. Call (702) 229-5177 to be placed on the activity schedule mailing list or e-mail jwinder@lasvegasnevada.gov.

New A.G.E. (ages 22+ with developmental disabilities)
Monday-Friday, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Closed staff development days and holidays.
Cost: $21 for 1-3 days; $28 for 4 days; $35 for 5 days each week.
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Call (702) 229-5177 or e-mail jwinder@lasvegasnevada.gov for registration packet and more information. The program offers a variety of activities and special events that promote individuality, self-esteem and independence.

City Of Las Vegas October 2012 – Recreation, Adaptive Recreation, Sports & Community Special Events

All activities are subject to change. For links to facilities, programs, classes and activities in the current Beyond the Neon guide, go online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/recreation.htm. Most activities require advance registration. Register today to build your healthy lifestyle! Most facilities are closed Oct. 26 for holiday observance.

Ward 2 Trunk or Treat Car Show and Free Kid’s Halloween Festival (all ages)
Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free admission and open to the public. There is a fee for vendors and car show participants.
Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, (702) 229-1100.
Please join Councilman Bob Beers for a fun day filled with music provided by DJ Brando, along with Halloween activities for the kids, including craft projects, costume contest, games, face painting and jump houses. Kids have the opportunity to “trunk or treat” at the cars decorated for Halloween in the car show. Help pick the spookiest! All makes, models and years welcome in the car show. Vendors are welcome. The event is sponsored by Ward 2 Councilman Bob Beers.

Contact John Bear at 229-2420 or e-mail to jbear@lasvegasnevada.gov, if you want to register your car in the show, become a vendor at the event, or volunteer to help. Early registration for the car show is $25 and is due by Thursday, Oct. 4. You also can register a car in the car show on the event date for $35. The vendor fee is $25, which includes a table.
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Free Ward 6 Shredding Event
Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to noon.
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive.
Bring your documents that need to be shredded. Complimentary shredding takes place in the Centennial Hills Community Center Active Adult Center parking lot. Limit of five boxes per vehicle. This is a safe and convenient way to get rid of old documents.

Movie at the E! (all ages)
Friday, Oct. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free admission.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., (702) 229-1515.
Enjoy a family movie in the plaza. This will be a perfect chance for the family to relax and enjoy a safe and special night under the stars. Bring low folding chairs for your comfort.

E! Club (ages 6-13)
Friday, Oct. 19, 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 per child.
East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Avenue, (702) 229-1515.
Parents can enjoy a night on the town while children enjoy a fun evening of activities.

Howling Halloween Carnival (all ages)
Thursday, Oct. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Free admission.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., (702) 229-6374.
There will be a costume contest, games, drawings and candy for the kids. There will also be a Haunted Hallway designed to frighten all who enter.

Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Tournament
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 26-28.
Free for spectators. Advance registration required for teams.
Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex, 7353 Eugene Ave., and other parks.
For teams ages 8-15. This soccer tournament is co-hosted by the city of Las Vegas and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club. This top-ranked event drew teams from 11 different states, as well as Canada and Mexico last year. Teams are guaranteed three games. Individual awards are offered for 1st and 2nd place. The entry fee is only $515 for U8-U10 and $735 for U11-U15. Entry deadline is Sept. 6. For more information, go online to www.lvmayorscup.com.
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Adaptive Recreation

Leisure Connection (ages 22+ with developmental disabilities)
Leisure Connection is a social group. Community outings are planned each month to assist high-functioning adults with social skills and independence in the community. Activities include bowling, movies, lunch/dinner outings, sports events and leisure education classes. Call (702) 229-5177 to be placed on the activity schedule mailing list or e-mail jwinder@lasvegasnevada.gov.

New A.G.E. (ages 22+ with developmental disabilities)
Monday-Friday, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Closed staff development days and holidays.
Cost: $21 for 1-3 days; $28 for 4 days; $35 for 5 days each week.
Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, (702) 229-1702.
Call (702) 229-5177 or e-mail jwinder@lasvegasnevada.gov for registration packet and more information. The program offers a variety of activities and special events that promote individuality, self-esteem and independence.

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) is pleased to announce that its newest affordable senior apartment community in Nevada – Tonopah Lamb Apartments – is now under construction. Located at 4250 E. Tonopah Avenue in Las Vegas, the new senior housing will provide 34, one-bedroom apartments to qualifying low-income senior households with at least one household member age 62 or older. Rent is based on 30% of household monthly income, with rental assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income limits apply, but no minimum income is required to qualify. Additionally, rent includes water, sewer, and trash/snow removal. Applications are now being accepted for housing; there is no application fee, and applicants are not obligated to move in by applying. Tonopah Lamb Apartments should be completed by November, 2012.

Tonopah Lamb Apartments will provide approximately 540 square feet of living space in each apartment, and wheelchair accessible apartments are also available for seniors who need a barrier-free apartment. Apartments include grab bars in the shower and bath, ample cupboard and closet space, and an open floor plan. Accessible apartments will include features such as accessible stove-tops and ovens, roll-under counters and sink in the kitchen and bath, large roll-in showers, 36 inch wide doors with lever-action handles, and raised electrical outlets and lowered light switches.

Community opening in October. Experienced staff will be on to answer questions
The nonprofit sponsor and developer, Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI), owns and manages the senior apartments. Founded in 1978, ASI is a St. Paul, Minnesota-based national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide accessible, affordable, independent and supportive living opportunities for persons with physical disabilities and brain injuries, as well as seniors.

This is the 16th building sponsored by ASI in Nevada.

ASI gratefully acknowledges the people, agencies and organizations that supported this initiative, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Clark County HOME Program. For more information or to request a housing application please contact Devin at 800-466-7722 Ext 225 or via e-mail at dvanderschaaf@accessiblespac.org. Informatio

12th Annual Walk n’ Roll and 5K Run for ALS of Nevada – helps fund services for ALS patients and their families. Walk n’ Roll/5K takes place in beautiful Police Memorial Park. Participants can create their own Team and reach out to more people to support their donation to ALS.

Each Adult 18 + participant is required to donate a minimum of $35 to participate in the Walk n’ Roll or the 5K. Awards will be given in all age groups for the 5K, as well as to participants who raise the most money for both events. The event is open to the public.

Anyone interested in participating to support ALS of Nevada’s mission – from babies to seniors – are welcome. Event is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Saturday, October 13, 2012
Registration for run at event: 6:00 through 8:00 am
Registration for walk at event: 6:00 am through 8:00 am
Welcome from Mayor Pro-Tem Anthony at 7:45 am until 8:00 am
Events starts: 8:00 am Run starts
8:15 am Walk n’ Roll starts
Balloon release in honor of ALS patients who have left us at the conclusion of the event in Memorial Tree Grove

Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way, Las Vegas, NV 89129

$35 for Adult (18+) walkers, rollers and runners; . $25 per participant from 5-17 years for Walk and Run; (Children 5 and under are free.) Donations support much-needed services for Nevada’s ALS patients, their caregivers and their families.

For more information and to sign up in advance for the walk or the run, visit http://als.kintera.org/WalknRoll or call Megan Testa at 702-777-0500.

SERVING SENIORS in SOUTHERN NEVADA

No Cost Services Assist Seniors to Remain Independent

Established in 2000, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to provide free, assistive services to senior citizens in Southern Nevada, allowing them to maintain their dignity and independence while improving health and daily living.

Our services include:

Transportation

Food Pantry

Respite Care Vouchers

Volunteer at your convenience!

SERVICES

We are a community agency providing the following free services to seniors 60 and over in the Las Vegas Valley.

Transportation

HHOVV has two Para transit buses that can accommodate wheelchair clients. Rides are provided for medical appointments, grocery store shopping and other errands.

HHOVV volunteer drivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping trips and errands. All volunteers receive orientation training and a background check.

New clients meet with HHOVV’s intake coordinator for an assessment and must be 60 years of age or older, show proof of Nevada residency and display a need for assistance. Individuals needing services are typically alone and frail, chronically ill, homebound, and/or dependent on a primary caregiver. Reassessments are completed on an annual basis. HHOVV does not charge for these services. Volunteers and staff do not accept tips, gifts, fees, loans or anything of value from clients.

To be added to the waiting list for transportation services please contact Myrna or Nichole at 702-633-7264 x29.

Respite Care Vouchers

The HHOVV respite voucher program is funded by the state Aging and Disabled Services Division and provides temporary relief for caregivers. Individuals who do not take time off while caring for a loved one may compromise their physical and mental well-being. Utilizing respite services is one way to reduce stress, allowing individuals to be more effective caregivers. Also, using respite services may delay early institutionalization

Food Pantry

HHOVV also keeps a food pantry stocked with non-perishable items and delivers a free bag once a month to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Clients must be 60 years of age or older, show proof of Nevada residency and proof that their annual income is at or below 150% of current poverty guidelines. To become a pantry recipient a senior may call 702-633-7264 x22 and leave their name and phone number.

The organization accepts donations of non-perishable food items at a warehouse office in North Las Vegas. Donations are always appreciated!

If you are interested in holding a food drive for HHOVV please contact Lorri Highet at 702-633-7264 x30.

The Bridge

The Bridge of Paradise ValleyRetirement when you want it. Assistance when you need it.Imagine living in a beautiful, peaceful environment, surrounded by friends and activities.

Enjoy an enriching retirement at The Bridge at Paradise Valley

Our community facilities are specifically designed to encourage seniors to live their retirement years as actively and as independently as possible. Assisted Living at The Bridge at Paradise Valley allows seniors to live carefree lifestyles – because we take care of the details! Our services include restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and apartment maintenance. We are committed to making The Bridge at Paradise Valley a place you will love to call home right here in Las Vegas Nevada!

The Bridge at Paradise Valley features the finest in Assisted Living. With stunning surroundings, outstanding services and an abundance of amenities, our residents are proud to call The Bridge at Paradise Valley home. Independent Living combines community living with the privacy of your own apartment, and Assisted Living offers the same amenities in addition to personalized services. From a dynamic activities schedule to our hospitable staff, our goal is to promote an active, carefree lifestyle.

Our residents enjoy restaurant-style dining, housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, apartment maintenance and a full calendar of recreational and wellness activities as part of a convenient, month-to-month lease. And, from live entertainment to themed parties and local outings, our events are catered to seniors.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to our services and to show you how The Bridge at Paradise Valley offers a rejuvenating retirement lifestyle.

The Bridge at Paradise Valley is part of the Century Park family of senior living communities. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Century Park manages senior retirement properties located throughout the United States.

Discover The Bridge at Paradise Valley

Life at The Bridge at Paradise Valley offers opportunities and advantages that seniors in the Las Vegas region have come to love and want to keep as part of their active lifestyle.

Las Vegas, Nevada, is more than just bright lights and luxury resorts. It is a great place to live. Located at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevadas, Las Vegas was founded by Mormon missionaries in 1902. World class shopping, dining, and entertainment are all easily accessible from The Bridge at Paradise Valley.

There are plenty of activities available to the Assisted Living residents at The Bridge at Paradise Valley. Some of the weekly choices include Bingo, card games, and Wii games. However, there is always time for relaxation, and The Bridge at Paradise Valley’s park-like grounds – which include a gazebo and a picnic area – are the perfect place for a leisurely visit with family or friends.

Senior Care Facility located in Las Vegas Nevada

Outstanding Retirement Services and Amenities

At The Bridge at Paradise Valley, you will discover a truly unique way to live. We specialize in combining elegant amenities with the comforts of home. Our outstanding services are offered in an inviting atmosphere where caring, professional staff lavish you with attention while respecting your individuality and privacy.

Facilities

Several apartment floor plans to choose from

Community dining room

Wellness center

Cozy lounge with fireplace

Beauty salon and barber shop

Gift shop

Ice cream parlor

Library

Services

Delicious restaurant-style dining three times each day planned by a registered dietician

Daily living assistance including bathing, dressing, and medication management

Transportation throughout the week

Housekeeping service

Activities

Wii games

Bingo

Restaurant outings

Exercise classes

Afternoon socials

Many other social, recreational, educational programs, and cultural events

Grounds Features

Landscaped courtyards with gazebo and picnic area

Beautifully maintained grounds perfect for walking

2205 E. Harmon
L.V. NV 89119
702-369-6964

Assisted living communities offer help with non-medical aspects of daily activities in an atmosphere of separate, private living apartments that encourage independence. In addition to providing meals, transportation for medical appointments, activities and pleasure trips, assisted living provides linens and laundry service, assistance with dressing and bathing, reminders regarding medication, and assistance with eating, transferring to and from a wheelchair, toileting, etc. This group setting also provides daily social activities and entertainment for the residents.

Assisted Living Las Vegas

Siena Hills Assisted Living in Las Vegas offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Care. Our staff is available 24 hours a day. Life at Siena Hills is comparable to living in a fine resort, with many of the same lifestyle enhancing amenities.

Independent Living & Assisted Living.

At Siena Hills, we strive to meet the needs of each Resident by providing an individualized care program that maintains each Resident’s privacy and dignity. Our health care services are provided 24 hours a day and change according to your personal needs.

Reputation, Experience & Leadership.

Siena Hills’ unparalleled reputation in the community is fostered by our Executive Director, Mary Pophal. Mary has nearly twenty years of leadership experience in assisted living and memory care. Our residents and families benefit from Mary’s vision and knowledge.

Senior Industry Network Group Events

Monthly SING Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at our NEW location below:

Desert Canyon - HealthSouth
9175 W. Oquendo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89148

S.I.N.G. Agenda:
- Coffee and bagels will be served
- A time to show gratitude by thanking those who have sent you referrals
- Announcements around the room
- One minute commercials
- Open Discussion on topics of Self Empowerment